Lady Zia Wernher School

Lady Zia Wernher School continues to be recognized as an outstanding institution where pupils are exceptionally well cared for. The school effectively meets the complex needs of its students, who mainly have special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced, ensuring that pupils can communicate effectively and manage their emotions while learning about their environment. The collaborative approach with families and external agencies reinforces the school's commitment to the well-being and educational growth of its pupils.

Strengths

• Strong focus on communication and emotional development for pupils.
• Well-trained staff who understand pupils' complex needs.
• Inclusive curriculum that celebrates different cultures and religions.
• Effective collaboration with families and external agencies for pupil support.
• Regular evaluation and adaptation of the curriculum to meet diverse needs.
• Well-managed pupil behavior due to supportive school environment.

In 2024–25 pupils at Lady Zia Wernher School attended 84.6% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 49.0% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 0.4% of pupils at Lady Zia Wernher School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Lady Zia Wernher School had 7.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 3.6% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Lady Zia Wernher School had 264 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty; moderate learning difficulty; severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple learning difficulty; social, emotional and mental health; speech, language and communication needs; hearing impairment; vision impairment; multi-sensory impairment; physical disability; autistic spectrum disorder; other difficulty or disability.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Lady Zia Wernher School received £26,233 and spent £26,877 for each of its 264 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £892,000 (£3,380 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

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What is Lady Zia Wernher School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Lady Zia Wernher School is Outstanding, from an inspection in January 2024.

When was Lady Zia Wernher School last inspected by Ofsted?

Lady Zia Wernher School was last inspected in January 2024.

How many pupils does Lady Zia Wernher School have?

Lady Zia Wernher School has 264 pupils on roll.

What age range does Lady Zia Wernher School cover?

Lady Zia Wernher School for pupils aged 2 to 11.

What are Lady Zia Wernher School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Lady Zia Wernher School?

Lady Zia Wernher School is at Ashcroft Road, Stopsley, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9AY.